JAKARTA - Initial talks between Thai and Cambodian defense officials began Monday in Malaysia ahead of an important ministerial meeting on Thursday. A fragile ceasefire is still ongoing a week after both sides agreed to a ceasefire.
The ceasefire agreed after five days of border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand was reached at a meeting in Malaysia last Monday, with help from the United States (US).
The worst fighting between the two neighboring Southeast Asian countries in more than a decade, including shelling artillery and fighter jet attacks, which killed at least 43 people and displaced more than 300,000 people on both sides of the border.
Reported by Reuters on Monday, August 4, defense ministers of the two countries are scheduled to hold a General Border Committee meeting to discuss how to defend the ceasefire, authorities said on both sides.
The meeting on Thursday this week will be watched by representatives from the United States, China, and Malaysia.
The distrust between the two neighboring countries continues despite ongoing negotiations.
Cambodia's Ministry of Defense accused Thailand of violating a ceasefire agreement using excavators and installing barbed wire in disputed border areas.
Thailand says both sides maintain their position without significant movement.
"However, there are reports that Cambodia has changed their position and strengthened their troops in important areas ... to replace missing personnel in each area," said Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a Thai military spokesman.
Cambodia also demanded that Thailand release its 18 soldiers who were arrested as soon as possible.
Thailand says the soldiers are treated well as "war offers" and will be released after the complete cessation of armed conflict, not just a ceasefire.
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